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. 2022 May;32(6):929-941.
doi: 10.1177/10497323221083356. Epub 2022 Mar 29.

What Makes Intentional Unidirectional Peer Support for Homeless People Work? An Exploratory Analysis Based on Clients' and Peer Workers' Perceptions

Sandra H H Schel  1 , Linda van den Dries  1 , Judith R L M Wolf  1
Affiliations

What Makes Intentional Unidirectional Peer Support for Homeless People Work? An Exploratory Analysis Based on Clients' and Peer Workers' Perceptions

Sandra H H Schel et al. Qual Health Res. 2022 May.

Abstract

Homeless people are increasingly supported by peer workers in one-on-one mentorship relations called intentional unidirectional peer support (IUPS). Insight is therefore needed into the application and outcome of IUPS for this vulnerable population. This study examined the outcomes, critical elements, and working mechanisms of IUPS within homeless services from the perspective of both clients receiving IUPS and peer workers providing IUPS. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were held with ten homeless clients and ten peer workers. According to participants, IUPS enhances clients' self-image, advances their personal growth, and results in better engagement with needed services. Rapport and empathy, a trustworthy and empowering relationship, as well as support, guidance, and mediation are what makes IUPS work according to the participants. The inclusion of both perspectives has led to a deeper understanding of what makes IUPS work for homeless people. Implications for practice are discussed.

Keywords: homeless people; intentional unidirectional peer support; outcomes; qualitative interviews; working mechanisms.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Conflicting Interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Outcomes, critical elements, and working mechanisms of intentional unidirectional peer support in homeless services, based on clients and peer workers experiences.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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